A large number of construction workers on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the State Assembly protesting “politicisation” of their wages. The workers under the banner of Odisha Forest, Wood, Agriculture and Building Construction Workers’ Union took out a procession from Master Canteen Square before holding a meeting in front of the Assembly.
They alleged that they were being asked to appear before the local PRI members like sarpanches and MlAs, MPs and Panchyati Raj and Revenue Department officials to get their legitimate dues.
The union also demanded proper functioning of the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, speedy registration of construction workers, timely wage payment, collection of two-per cent construction cess, national identification number, provision of bonus, EPF, gratuity and Rs 3,000-monthly pension to male and female workers above 55 and 50 age groups, respectively.
A ten-member delegation led by union president Sura Jena met labour Secretary Roopa Mishra and submitted a memorandum to her.
“If our demands are not addressed in seven days, we will intensify our agitation throughout the State,” Jena said.
Former MP Dutikrushna Panda, Bijay Jena, Ramakrushna Panda, Jayanta Das, Pravin Das and Basanti Pradhan led in the rally.
